Rhythmic teeth grinding induced by temporal lobe seizures

Neurology. 2004 Jun 22;62(12):2306-9. doi: 10.1212/wnl.62.12.2306.

Abstract

The authors report the clinical and polygraphic features of rhythmic teeth grinding observed in a patient as the predominant symptom related to temporal lobe seizures during sleep and wakefulness. This observation demonstrates that exceptionally a teeth-grinding event can be not only a parasomnia (sleep bruxism) but also an epileptic-related motor event. Electromyographic and autonomic features of seizure-related teeth grinding support the interpretation of this motor phenomenon as a particular form of masticatory activity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Temporal Lobectomy
  • Bruxism / etiology*
  • Bruxism / physiopathology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electromyography
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male